基于主成分-聚类-逐步回归分析构建番茄苗期耐铝性综合评价体系

铝毒是限制酸性土壤中作物产量的主要因素之一。番茄(Solanum lycopersicum)是适合在酸性土壤中种植的主要经济作物, 不同品种番茄对铝胁迫的响应存在差异, 因此, 筛选苗期耐铝毒种质对番茄生产及研究具有重要意义。以10个番茄品种为材料, 采用室内土培盆栽, 设置1 000 µmol∙L^-1 AlCl₃·6H₂O处理, 测定反映植物铝胁迫下生长状况的16个形态、生理生化及光合指标。通过主成分分析, 将铝胁迫下番茄幼苗的16个指标转化为5个独立的综合指标, 累积贡献率达90.779%。基于耐铝性综合评价值(A)的系统聚类分析, 将供试种质划分为5类, 第I类为高度耐铝品种Qianxi, 第V类为高度不耐铝品种Puluowangsi。经多元线性逐步回归分析得出番茄苗期耐铝评价方程: y=0.046+0.405X₆+0.515X₁₀-0.207X₁₅+0.028X₃ (R²=0.997), 从16个指标中提取出与A值显著相关(P<0.01)的4个指标: 丙二醛含量(X₃)、净光合速率(X₆)、叶面积(X₁₀)和地下部干重(X₁₅)。利用评价方程可判断不同番茄品种苗期的耐铝性, 使番茄耐铝性鉴定工作快速简便。     

鮸形态性状与体质量的关系

为了研究鮸的形态性状与体质量之间的关系,测量了524尾12月龄左右鮸的体质量(Y, g)和8个形态性状(cm),包括全长(X₁)、体长(X₂)、头长(X₃)、躯干长(X₄)、尾长(X₅)、尾柄长(X₆)、尾柄高(X₇)和体高(X₈).采用相关分析、回归分析、通径分析以及模型拟合等方法对其进行分析.结果表明: 鮸所有性状两两之间存在极显著正相关关系,相关系数在0.834～0.941.经共线性诊断排除了体长这一具有严重共线性的性状后,采用逐步引入-剔除法进行多元回归并进行显著性检验,成功筛选出全长(X₁)、躯干长(X₄)、尾柄高(X₇)和体高(X₈)4个统计检验极显著的形态性状,并建立多元回归方程:Y ＝-444.188 +7.943X₁ +12.861X₄ +38.254X₇ + 42.722X₈.通径分析结果显示,4个形态性状中,体高对体质量的直接作用最大(通径系数=0.351),全长次之(通径系数=0.335).对全长和体高与体质量之间的函数关系进行曲线模型拟合得出,在6个拟合模型中,幂函数模型拟合效果最好,方程为:y=0.013 x^2.891(全长); y=2.028 x^2.751(体高).经适合性检验得知,全长比体高通过幂函数对体质量的预测效果更好.研究结果可为鮸的形态性状在选择育种中的有效利用提供重要参考.     

Preliminary Investigation on the Development of Diltiazem Resin Complex Loaded Carboxymethyl Xanthan Beads

The objective of this study was to develop a multiunit sustained release dosage form of diltiazem using a natural polymer from a completely aqueous environment. Diltiazem was complexed with resin and the resinate-loaded carboxymethyl xanthan (RCMX) beads were prepared by interacting sodium carboxymethyl xanthan (SCMX), a derivatized xanthan gum, with Al⁺³ ions. The beads were evaluated for drug entrapment efficiency (DEE) and release characteristics in enzyme free simulated gastric fluid (SGF, HCl solution, pH 1.2) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, USP phosphate buffer solution, pH 6.8). Increase in gelation time from 5 to 20 min and AlCl₃ concentration from 1 to 3% decreased the DEE respectively from 95 to 79% and 88.5 to 84.6%. However, increase in gum concentration from 1.5 to 2.5% increased the DEE from 86.5 to 90.7%. The variation in DEE was related to displacement of drug from the resinate by the gel forming Al⁺³ ions. While 75–82% drug was released in 2 h in SGF from various beads, 75 to 98% drug was released in 5 hour in SIF indicating the dependence of drug release on pH of dissolution media. Although the beads maintained their initial integrity throughout the dissolution process in both media, as evident from scanning electron microscopic studies, the faster release in SGF was accounted for higher swelling of the beads in SGF than in SIF. When release data (up to 60%) was fitted in power law expression, the drug release was found to be controlled by diffusion with simultaneous relaxation phenomena.     

Entrapment of lipase into K-carrageenan beads and its use in hydrolysis of olive oil in biphasic system

The porcine pancrease lipase was immobilized by entrapment in the beads of K-carrageenan and cured by treatment with polyethyleneimine (PEI) in the phosphate buffer. The retention of hydrolytic activity of lipase and compressive strength of the beads were examined. The activity of free and immobilized lipase was assessed by using olive oil as the substrate. The immobilized enzyme exhibited a little shift towards acidic pH for its optimal activity and retained 50% of its activity after 5 cycles. When the enzyme concentration was kept constant and substrate concentration was varied the K_m and V_max were observed to be 0.18 × 10⁻² and 0.10, and 0.10 × 10⁻² and 0.09 respectively, for free and for entrapped enzymes. When the substrate concentration was kept constant and enzyme concentration was varied, the values of K_m and V_max were observed to be 0.19 × 10⁻⁷ and 0.41, and 0.18 × 10⁻⁷ and 0.41 for free and entrapped enzymes. Though this indicates that there is no conformational change during immobilization, it also shows that the reaction velocity depends on the concentration. Immobilized enzyme showed improved thermal and storage stability. Hydrolysis of olive oil in organic–aqueous two-phase system using fixed bed reactor was carried out and conditions were optimized. The enzyme in reactor retained 30% of its initial activity after 480 min (12 cycles).     

Application of Freundlich and Langmuir models to multistage purification process to remove heavy metal ions by using Schizomeris leibleinii

The adsorption of iron(III), lead(II) and cadmium(II) ions onto Schizomeris leibleinii, a green alga, was studied with respect to initial pH, temperature, initial metal ion and biomass concentration to determine the optimum adsorption conditions. Optimum initial pH for iron(III), lead(II) and cadmium(II) ions were 2.5, 4.5 and 5.0 at optimum temperature 30°C, respectively. The initial adsorption rates increased with increasing initial iron(III), lead(II) and cadmium(II) ion concentrations up to 100, 100 and 150 mg l⁻¹, respectively. The Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms were developed at various initial pH and temperature values. The adsorption of these metal ions to S. leibleinii was investigated in a two-stage mixed batch reactor. The residual metal ion concentrations (C_eq) at equilibrium at each stage for a given ‘quantity of dried algae (X₀)/volume of solution containing heavy metal ion (V₀)’ ratio were calculated using Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm constants. The experimental biosorption equilibrium data for iron(III), lead(II) and cadmium(II) ions were in good agreement with those calculated by both Freundlich and Langmuir models. The adsorbed iron(III), lead(II) and cadmium(II) ion concentrations increased with increasing X₀/V₀ ratios while the adsorbed metal quantities per unit mass of dried algae decreased.     

Starch-based spherical aggregates: stability of a model flavouring compound, vanillin entrapped therein

Studies on the stability of the vanillin entrapped within the spherical aggregates obtained from amaranth (Amaranthus paniculatus L.), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.) and colocasia (Colocasia esculenta L.) in the presence of gum Arabic, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and carrageenan at 0.1–1.0% as bonding agents, were obtained by spray drying a 20% (w/w) starch dispersion at 120 °C. Vanillin was used at 5% based on starch (bos). The loss of vanillin over a 6-week storage period followed a first order kinetics. The stability was evaluated in terms of t_1/2 (weeks) from a semi-log plot of percentage retention of vanillin vs. storage time in weeks. The t_1/2 for the total vanillin and entrapped vanillin within the spherical aggregates prepared from different starches decreased in the order, amaranth>colocasia>chenopodium>rice. The t_1/2 decreased with an increase in the amylose content of the starches, although it was not linear. With respect to the bonding agent the stability decreased in the order, gum Arabic>CMC>carrageenan. While CMC and carrageenan gave an increasing value of t_1/2 with an increase in concentration from 0.5 to 1.0%, gum Arabic surprisingly gave a higher t_1/2 value at 0.5% as compared to 1.0%.     

Preparation and characterization of calcium pectinate gel beads entrapping catechin-loaded liposomes

Calcium pectinate gel (CPG) beads entrapping catechin-loaded liposomes were prepared with or without hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) (denoted as CPG-LH and CPG-L beads, respectively) and characterized in comparison with the CPG beads prepared without liposome and HPMC (denoted as CPG-C beads). For all types of beads, the catechin entrapment efficiency decreased by about 40-50% as the concentration of CaCl2 in gelling media increased from 2 to 6%. At a constant CaCl2 level, the entrapment efficiency was higher in the order of CPG-LH, CPG-L, and CPG-C beads. The in vitro release test showed that in simulated intestinal fluid the rate of catechin release was higher in the order of CPG-C, CPG-L, and CPG-LH beads, indicating that the catechin release was slowed by liposome and further retarded when HPMC was used simultaneously, whereas not in simulated gastric fluid. The addition of cholesterol in liposome could not retard but accelerated the catechin release. The results suggest that the CPG beads reinforced with liposome and HPMC could be employed for a sustained oral delivery of catechins, although further improvements are necessary.     

Modulation of ouabain-insensitive Na(+)-ATPase activity in the renal proximal tubule by Mg(2+), MgATP and furosemide

In addition to the (Na⁺+K⁺)ATPase another P-ATPase, the ouabain-insensitive Na⁺-ATPase has been observed in several tissues. In the present paper, the effects of ligands, such as Mg²⁺, MgATP and furosemide on the Na⁺-ATPase and its modulation by pH were studied in the proximal renal tubule of pig. The principal kinetics parameters of the Na⁺-ATPase at pH 7.0 are: (a) K_0.5 for Na⁺=8.9±2.2 mM; (b) K_0.5 for MgATP=1.8±0.4 mM; (c) two sites for free Mg²⁺: one stimulatory (K_0.5=0.20±0.06 mM) and other inhibitory (I_0.5=1.1±0.4 mM); and (d) I_0.5 for furosemide=1.1±0.2 mM. Acidification of the reaction medium to pH 6.2 decreases the apparent affinity for Na⁺ (K_0.5=19.5±0.4) and MgATP (K_0.5=3.4±0.3 mM) but increases the apparent affinity for furosemide (0.18±0.02 mM) and Mg²⁺ (0.05±0.02 mM). Alkalization of the reaction medium to pH 7.8 decreases the apparent affinity for Na⁺ (K_0.5=18.7±1.5 mM) and furosemide (I_0.5=3.04±0.57 mM) but does not change the apparent affinity to MgATP and Mg²⁺. The data presented in this paper indicate that the modulation of the Na⁺-ATPase by pH is the result of different modifications in several steps of its catalytical cycle. Furthermore, they suggest that changes in the concentration of natural ligands such as Mg²⁺ and MgATP complex may play an important role in the Na⁺-ATPase physiological regulatory mechanisms.     

Optimal discus trajectories

A general 3-D dynamic model for men's and women's discus flight is presented including precession of spin angular momentum induced by aerodynamic pitching moment. Dependence of pitching moment coefficient on angle of attack is estimated from experiment. Numerical integration of 11 equations of motion for nominal release speed v₀=25 m/s and axial spin p₀=42 rad/s also requires 3 other release conditions; initial discus flight path angle β₀, pitch attitude θ₀, and roll angle φ₀. Optimal values for these release conditions are calculated iteratively to maximize range and are similar for both men and women. The optimal men's trajectory and range R=69.39 m is produced by the strategy β₀=38.4°, θ₀=30.7°, and φ₀=54.4°. Initial angular velocities except spin are chosen to minimize wobble but an optimal initial spin rate p₀=25.2 rad/s exists that also maximizes range. Optimal 3-D range exceeds that predicted by 2-D models because, although angle of attack and lift are negative initially, 3-D motion allows advantageous orientation of lift later in flight, with tilt of the axis of symmetry from vertical becoming much smaller at landing. Optimal strategies are discontinuous with wind speed, resulting in slicing and kiting strategies in large head and tail winds, respectively. Sensitivity of optimal range is largest to initial β₀ and least to φ₀. Present calculations do not account for dependence of initial release angle or spin on release velocity or among other release conditions.     

Microencapsulation of alpha-tocopherol using sodium alginate and its controlled release properties

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize microencapsulation yield (MY) using three independent variables; the ratio of coating material to core material (w/w, X1), the emulsifier concentration (%, v/v, X2), and the CaCl2 concentration (%, w/v, X3). In the preparation of sodium alginate (SA) microcapsule, the regression model equation for the MY was predicted as follows; MY(%) = 56.02 + 3.64X2 + 3.18X1X2 - 3.74X2(2). The optimal conditions for the SA microcapsule were obtained at the [SA]/[alpha-TP] ratio of 6.6:3.4 (w/w), [emulsifier] of 1.35% (v/v), and [CaCl2] of 4.3% (w/v), and the predicted MY in this condition was of 57.2%. In vitro alpha-TP releasing test of the SA-based microcapsules was performed. The SA microcapsule released 28.8% of alpha-TP when exposed in the simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1.2) for 24 h. In the simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 7.4), the amount of released alpha-TP (81.5%) was significantly greater than that in the SGF. The duration time required for releasing 50 (T50%) and 70% (T70%) of alpha-TP from the SA-microcapsule were calculated to be 3.8 and 12.3 h, respectively. From these results, it was suggested that SA microcapsule would be structurally resistant against acidic environment, and it would rapidly release core material under mild alkali condition.     

Affinity separation of immunoglobulin G subclasses on dye attached poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylate) beads

Poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylate) [poly(HPMA)] gel beads with an average size of 150–200 μm were prepared by suspension polymerization of hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA). The poly(HPMA) gel beads were characterized by swelling studies, surface area measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental analysis. Poly(HPMA) gel beads had a specific surface area of 88.6 m²/g. The dye Reactive Green HE 4BD was chemically attached to yield dye-poly(HPMA) gel beads at an average concentration of 44.3 μmol dye/g bead with a swelling ratio of 75%. These dye attached gel beads were used in the separation of immunoglobulin-G (IgG) through adsorption–elution studies. The non-specific adsorption of IgG on the poly(HPMA) gel beads was 0.5 mg/g. The attachment of Reactive Green HE 4BD significantly increased the adsorption of IgG up to 71 mg/g. The Langmuir adsorption model was found to be applicable in interpretation of data pertaining to the adsorption studies of IgG with Reactive Green HE 4BD attached to the poly(HPMA) gel beads. The adsorption of IgG was found to be optimal at pH 7.0. The adsorption of IgG was observed to decrease by about 76% as the NaCl concentration was increased from 0.001 to 0.1 M. The IgG adsorption capacity of the dye attached poly(HPMA) gel beads was determined for a commercially available IgG solution to be 4.2 mg/g for IgG₁, 64.5 mg/g for IgG₂, 7.1 mg/g for IgG₃ and 10.8 mg/g for IgG₄. The Reactive Green HE 4BD attached poly(HPMA) gel beads have a significant adsorption capacity for IgG₂. The quantity of adsorbed IgG₂ is three times higher than the quantity of the other subclasses, IgG₁, IgG₃ and IgG₄. A similar adsorption behaviour was observed when the albumin free human plasma was used. The quantity of adsorbed IgG₂ is higher than the quantity of the other subclasses, IgG₁, IgG₃ and IgG₄. Adsorption capacities for albumin free human plasma were obtained as 6.4 mg/g for IgG₁, 67.8 mg/g for IgG₂, 5.2 mg/g for IgG₃ and 8.6 mg/g for IgG₄. Significant amount of the adsorbed IgG (up to 95%) was eluted in 1 h in the elution medium containing 2.0 M NaCl. Repeated adsorption/elution processes showed that these dye attached gel beads are suitable for IgG adsorption.     

A new interpretation of eutectic behavior for distearoylphosphatidylcholine-cholesterol binary bilayer membrane

We investigated the thermotropic phase behavior of the distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC)–cholesterol binary bilayer membrane as a function of the cholesterol composition (X_ch) by fluorescence spectroscopy using 6-propionyl-2-(dimethylamino)naphthalene (Prodan) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The fluorescence spectra, each of which has a single maximum, showed that the wavelength at the maximum intensity (λ_max) changed depending on the bilayer state: ca. 440 nm for the lamellar gel (L_β′ or L_β) and the liquid ordered (L_o) phases, ca. 470 nm for the ripple gel (P_β′) phase and ca. 490 nm for the liquid crystalline (L) phase, respectively. The transition temperatures were determined from the temperature dependences of the λ_max and endothermic peaks of the DSC thermograms. Both measurements showed that the pretransition disappears around X_ch = 0.035. The constructed temperature–X_ch phase diagram indicated that the phase behavior of the binary bilayer membrane at X_ch ≤ 0.15 is similar to that of general liquid–solid equilibrium for a binary system where both components are completely miscible in the liquid phase and completely immiscible in the solid phase. It was also revealed that the diagram has two characteristic points: a congruent melting point at X_ch = 0.08 and a peritectic-like point at X_ch = 0.15. The hexagonal lattice model was used for the interpretation of the phase behavior of the binary bilayer membrane. These characteristic compositions well correspond to the bilayer states in each of which cholesterol molecules are regularly distributed in the hexagonal lattice in a different way. That is, each composition of 0.035, 0.08 and 0.15 is nearly equal to that for the binary bilayer membrane which is entirely occupied with units, each composed of a cholesterol and 30 surrounding DSPC molecules within the next-next-next nearest neighbor sites (Unit (1:30): L_β(1:30)), with units, each of a cholesterol and 12 surrounding DSPC molecules within the next nearest sites (Unit (1:12): L_β(1:12)) or with units, each of a cholesterol and 6 surrounding DSPC molecules at the nearest neighbor sites (Unit (1:6): L_β(1:6)), respectively. Therefore, the eutectic behavior observed in the phase diagram was fully explainable in terms of a kind of phase separation between two different types of regions with different types of regular distributions of cholesterol. Further, the L_o phase was found in the higher X_ch-region (X_ch > 0.15). No endothermic peak over the temperature range from 10 to 80 °C at X_ch = 0.50 suggested that the single L_o phase can exist at X_ch > 0.50.     

Screening of Vitamin D activity (VDA) of Solanum glaucophyllum leaves measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA)

The ingestion of Solanum glaucophyllum (SG) causes a calcinosis of cattle named Enteque Seco (ES). The toxic principle is the 1,25-(OH)₂D₃, mainly conjugated as glycoside. This study aims to validate a simple novel method of evaluation of the VDA of SG leaves. Aqueous extracts of SG were purified using C₁₈ minicolumns and assayed by RIA with an antibody raised in rabbits by injection of the acid—C22, 1-(OH)Vitamin D₃. Data were expresed as glycoside equivalent to 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ in ng/g of dry leaves. We compared this data with 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ levels measured, in the same samples, by liquid chromatography (HPLC) after enzyme cleavage. This procedure involved the incubation of SG leaves with rumen fluid, followed by C₁₈-OH solid phase extraction. The 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ fraction was run by HPLC and detection was achieved using a photodiode array detector. Data were expressed as micrograms of 1,25-(OH)₂D₃/g dry leaves. A significant regression of 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ levels (Y) as a function of glycoside RIA 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ equivalents (X) was found: Y = 12.02 + 0.35X [R = 0.81; P = 0,0002; N = 15], allowing us to conclude that this novel assay could be used to estimate the amount of this active principle contained in SG leaves.     

Material properties of the human calcaneal fat pad in compression: experiment and theory

The structural behaviour of the human heel pad has been studied extensively due to its ability to absorb shock, protect against excessive local stress, and reduce plantar pressures. However, the material properties of the tissue have not been adequately measured. These must be known in order to perform a finite element analysis of the effect of factors such as foot geometry and shoe/surface construction on heel pad function. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to (a) measure the viscoelastic behaviour of the fat pad in compression, and (b) to determine an appropriate constitutive equation to model the tissue. A series of unconfined compression tests were performed on 8 mm diameter cylinders of fat pad tissue, consisting of quasi-static, 175, 350 mm/s and stress-relaxation tests to 50% deformation. The tissue exhibited nonlinear, viscoelastic behaviour. No significant difference was found in the quasi-static behaviour between samples from different locations and orientations in the heel. The stress-relaxation tests were used to determine the time constant (τ₁=0.5 s), the 175 mm/s test to determine the relaxation coefficient (g₁=28), and the 350 mm/s compression test to determine the material constants (C₁₀₀=C₀₁₀=0.01, C₂₀₀=C₀₂₀=0.1 Pa) of a single-phase, hyperelastic, linear viscoelastic strain energy function (r²=0.98).     

Yield stress components of waxy corn starch–xanthan mixtures: Effect of xanthan concentration and different starches

Yield stress of 6% (w/w) waxy maize (WXM), cross-linked waxy maize (CLWM), and cold water swelling (CWS) starches in xanthan gum dispersions: 0%, 0.35%, 0.50%, 0.70%, and 1.0% was measured with the vane method at an apparent shear rate of 0.05 s⁻¹. The intrinsic viscosity of the xanthan gum was determined to be: 112.3 dL/g in distilled water at 25 °C. Values of the static (σ_0s) and dynamic (σ_0d) yield stress of each dispersion were measured before and after breaking down its structure under continuous shear, respectively. The WXM and CWS starches exhibited synergistic behavior, whereas the CLWM starch showed antagonistic effect with xanthan gum. The difference (σ_0s − σ_0d) was the stress required to break the inter-particle bonding (σ_b). The contributions of the viscous (σ_v) and network (σ_n) components were estimated from an energy balance model. In general, values of σ_b of the starch–xanthan gum dispersions decreased and those of σ_n increased with increase in xanthan gum concentration.     

Influence of spent brewer’s yeast β-glucan on gelatinization and retrogradation of rice starch

The effects of β-glucan (BG) prepared from spent brewer’s yeast on gelatinization and retrogradation of rice starch (RS) were investigated as functions of mixing ratio and of storage time. Results of rapid visco-analysis (RVA) indicated that addition of BG increased the peak, breakdown, setback, and final viscosities, but decreased the pasting temperatures of the rice starch/β-glucan (RS/BG) mixtures. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data demonstrated an increase in onset (T_o), peak (T_p), and conclusion (T_c) temperatures and a decrease in gelatinization enthalpy (ΔH₁) with increasing BG concentration. Storage of the mixed gels at 4 °C resulted in a decrease in T_o, T_p, T_c, and melting enthalpy (ΔH₂). The retrogradation ratio (ΔH₂/ΔH₁) and the phase transition temperature range (T_c − T_o) of the mixed gels increased with storage time, but this effect was reduced by the addition of BG. BG addition also slowed the syneresis of the mixed gels. Results of dynamic viscoelasticity measurement indicated that the addition of BG promoted RS retrogradation at the beginning and then retarded it during longer storage times. The added BG also retarded the development of gel hardness during refrigerated storage of the RS/BG mixed gels.     

Intermediates in the refolding of urea-denatured dimeric arginine kinase from Stichopus japonicus

The refolding of urea-denatured dimeric AK was investigated by both equilibrium and kinetic measurements. Both studies indicated that the refolding of dimeric AK is a multiphasic process. The equilibrium studies, monitored by enzyme activity, intrinsic protein fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), 1-anilinonaphtalene-8-sulfonate (ANS) binding, size-exclusion chromatography and glutaraldehyde cross-linking showed that there were at least two intermediates involved in this process: I₁ (existing in 1.8–1.4 M urea) and I₂ (existing in 0.8–0.4 M urea). I₁ was a monomeric intermediate and possessed characteristic similar to the globular folding intermediates described in the literature. I₂ was an active native-like intermediate. The kinetic studies suggested that the refolding of AK possessed a burst phase, fast phase and slow phase, which involved at least the burst phase intermediates (I_B). Comparison of the properties of these intermediates suggested that I_B in the kinetic process corresponded to I₁ in the equilibrium process. Based on these results, a scheme for refolding of urea-denatured AK was proposed.     

Development of a Gastric Absorptive,Immediate Responsive,Oral Protein-Loaded Versatile Polymeric Delivery System

A multifunctional platform to deliver three diverse proteins of insulin, interferon beta (INF-β) and erythropoietin (EPO), using a novel copolymeric microparticulate system of TMC-PEGDMA-MAA, was synthesised as an intelligent pH-responsive 2-fold gastric and intestinal absorptive system. Physiochemical and physicomechanical studies proved the degree of crystallinity that supported the controlled protein delivery of the microparticulate system. The copolymer was tableted before undertaking in vitro and in vivo analysis. After 2.5 h in simulated gastric fluid (SGF), insulin showed a fractional release of 3.2% in comparison to simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), in which a maximum of 83% of insulin was released. Similarly, INF-β and EPO released 3 and 9.7% in SGF and a maximum of 74 and 81.3% in SIF, respectively. In vivo studies demonstrated a significant decrease in blood glucose by 54.19% within 4 h post-dosing, and the comparator formulation provided 74.6% decrease in blood glucose within the same time period. INF-β peak bioavailable dose in serum was calculated to be 1.3% in comparison to an SC formulation having a peak concentration of 0.9%, demonstrating steady-state release for 24 h. EPO-loaded copolymeric microparticles had a 1.6% peak bioavailable concentration, in comparison to the 6.34% peak concentration after 8 h from the SC comparator formulation.     

Growth response of major USA cowpea cultivars: II. Effect of salinity on leaf gas exchange

In an effort to elucidate the physiological processes involved in cowpea differential growth response of four major USA cowpea cultivars (CB5, CB27, 8517 and 7964) to increasing salinity, we investigated the effect of salinity on leaf gas exchange of net photosynthetic rate per unit leaf mass (Pnm) and per unit leaf area (Pna), and stomatal conductance (gs) of the four cowpea cultivars. The experiment was set up as a standard split-plot design in which cowpea plants were grown in greenhouse sand tanks irrigated with nutrient solutions. Seven salinities ranging from 2.6 to 20.5 dS m⁻¹ were constructed based on Colorado River water salt composition with NaCl, CaCl₂ and MgSO₄ as the salinization salts. Light-saturated Pnm, Pna and gs of fully expanded trifoliage were examined at the vegetative growth and flowering stages, and the data were analyzed using a split-plot analysis of variance (ANOVA) model. We found a highly significant (P ≤ 0.0001) reduction of Pnm, Pna and gs due to salinity. The responses of Pnm, Pna and gs to salinity could be further described by a general model of log(y) = a₁ + a₂x + a₃x², where y represents either Pnm, Pna, or gs; a₁, a₂ and a₃, empirical constants; x, salinity. We found that Pnm was more sensitive to salinity than Pna. Additionally, we found that increasing stomatal closure with increasing salinity might limit Pnm or Pna. While we did not find any significant difference (P > 0.05) of Pnm and Pna among the four cultivars, we did find a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) in gs. No significant salt × cultivar interaction effect (P > 0.05) was found with Pnm, Pna and gs indicating that the four cowpea cultivars have the same response pattern of their leaf gas exchange to salinity.     

CO2储存通量估算方法对森林生态系统碳收支估测的影响

准确测定森林生态系统中CO₂储存通量(F_s)对于以涡动协方差(EC)法估算生态系统碳收支具有重要意义,而F_s不同算法引起的森林碳收支估测误差还未被全面评估。本研究利用2018年帽儿山落叶阔叶林的开路EC系统和8层CO₂/H₂O廓线系统(AP100, Campbell Scientific Inc., USA)数据,比较了2-min平均廓线(P_{2 min})、30-min平均廓线(P_{30 min})和30-min平均EC单点法(P_s)3种不同方法估算的F_s对净生态系统交换(NEE)、生态系统呼吸(R_e)和总初级生产力(GPP)估算结果的影响。结果表明: F_s估算方法对森林碳通量的影响总体上随时间尺度增大而不断增大,表明通量数据插补和拆分会进一步放大F_s估算方法的影响。在年尺度上,P_{2 min}法和P_s法的NEE分别比P_{30 min}法的低36.3%和29.4%;P_{2 min}法的R_e比P_{30 min}法和P_s法高8.7%;而P_{2 min}法的GPP比P_{30 min}法的高5.4%,P_s法则比P_{30 min}法的低2.1%。传统的P_{30 min}法忽略了CO₂浓度的瞬时变化,P_s法缺少林冠层内部CO₂浓度变化,因此两者低估了真实R_e。近似瞬时廓线的方法(2-min平均)具有更高的时间与空间分辨率,能够更加准确地估算非平坦地形和复杂冠层结构的森林碳收支,这对解决EC法在复杂条件下森林R_e和GPP低估、净碳汇高估具有重要启示。